Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

45 reviews

tiffanyfreads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I adored the first book and I feel the same about the sequel. I kept reading cause I just needed to know what happened. 

I’m soooo happy with the ending like ahhhhhh I can’t wait for the extended epilogue coming out really soon to see even more of my favs
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lusheeta_toel's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This sequel in the dualogy was really great. Sue Lynn Tan explored grief and complex emotions beautifully, in a way that helped me reflect on my own experiences with loss. The complicated relationships and internal struggle with broader themes (i.e. if people can change) was really interesting and a refreshing take as well. I enjoyed the focus on family, embracing change, and exploration of the self.
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midnightrose_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed Heart of the Sun Warrior, the second book in the Celestial Kingdoms series. But it was not a 5 star read, unfortunately, like the first book Daughter of the Moon Goddess was. There were moments that dragged (despite this book being less pages than the first), and at times didn’t feel nearly as compelling as its predecessor. Perhaps this could have been a hundred pages shorter and would have retained the energy the first one had. All in all I would still recommend this duology if you’re looking for descriptive writing and lush world-building.
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idesofmarch's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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awkwardimagination's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book was so much more emotional than the first. It felt faster, probably due to it's shorter time frame than the plot of the first book, stretching years. And it actually made me cry, like actual tears wear shed during the last 100 pages. This was not where I thought the romantic plot would go, but I am not upset about it. The ending, filled with grief and pain, was amazing, but I do feel slightly unsatisfied with how it finished. I know there may be another book coming, so hopefully, what I would've liked from this ending is there. Xingyin continues to be my favourite protagonist ever, I honestly love her, and I highly doubt I will respect and love another character as much as her. 
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lex_is_bookish's review

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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haley_reads_books's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Unlike the first book, this was not an effortless read for me, but it was still filled with just as much magic. The plot twists with Xingyin‘s romances are what saved this story for me. If she had ended up
marrying and becoming empress
, I think the book would have felt like a waste, but as it is, I really am glad I pushed through to the end when I was struggling to continue. I loved the maturity this book brought to Xingyin‘s character, and I am so glad she found her happiness in the end. I also want to mention one of my favorite parts about Tan’s writing: the way she describes everything wish so much care and attention to detail. There is so much life and color in each page and that really is what made me adore this duology.
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foreverinastory's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love this duology so much! It’s just so lovely, and Natalie Naudus’s narration is perfect for it! I have loved listening to these books and being swept away to the Celestial Kingdom.

Without any spoilers, Heart of the Sun Warrior has the same charm as Daughter of the Moon Goddess. We see Xingyin continue to grow as a person and I love her character so much. She’s so easy to relate to and root for. We get to see Xingyin start to figure and decide what and who she wants in her life. I really liked the message that just because you love someone, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your every happiness for them. The ending turned out even better than what I had hoped for! Highly recommend this duology for lovers of mythology, legends and epic fantasy worlds!

CWs: Death, grief, war, violence, child death, blood, murder, fire/fire injury, injury/injury detail, death of parent, alcohol consumption (wine). 
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samchase112's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

An enthralling, action-packed fantasy epic! This stunning series finale certainly kept me turning the pages, and there was never a dull moment. However, I found myself skimming at times as I was wholly uninterested in the love triangle that consumed the book. If there had been no romance — or if Xingyin had simply chosen a man and stuck with him — I think I would’ve enjoyed this so, so much more because the plot and Xingyin’s story could have centered around much more interesting angles; her parents, her friends, her own maturation, etc.

I’ve seen this book described as a C-drama, and I wholeheartedly agree. It has the emotionality and cinematic scope of a well-done fantasy drama, and I love that! Maybe not my personal favorite genre, but I can certainly see how it would appeal to so many others.

All in all, I am truly glad I finished out this series — it’s helped remind me of my love for fantasy, and for that I’m grateful.
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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional sad medium-paced

3.5

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